100 years ago: “Oscar and Clarence Handley, of the Florida Mesa, were in town on a business and supply buying trip, patronizing the stores that advertise.”

75 years ago: “Speaking from experience, the best way to view the scenery north of here is to ride the train, so that all one’s attention may be focused on the view instead of a curving highway.”

50 years ago: “The Animas Valley Grange will have a real old-fashioned country dance in the grange hall. There will be cake walks and lunch sold during the evening. Wear fiesta or western clothes. A special invitation is issued to all political candidates of both parties.”

25 years ago: “Durango and Pagosa Springs high school football players scrimmaged on the gridiron, then stuffed their faces in a hamburger playoff at McDonald’s. The DHS team of six players and a coach ate 65, Pagosa Springs downed 58. Durango defensive line coach Dutch Smith may have a new nickname after swallowing 11 quarter pounders and one burger in 20 minutes.”

Most items in this column are taken from Herald archives, Center of Southwest Studies and Animas Museum. Their accuracy may not be verified.